Samsung's Galaxy S26 rumored for substantial enhancement in payment features, aiming to rival the iPhone's system
The tech world is abuzz with the latest news about the upcoming smartphones, and one device that has caught everyone's attention is the Samsung Galaxy S26. According to reports, this flagship smartphone, expected to launch in January 2026 at the earliest, is set to revolutionize contactless payments with a dedicated NFC antenna[1][2][3][4][5].
Currently, most Samsung phones have the NFC antenna near the camera module, which can cause payment failures or awkward hand movements when trying to get the scanner to recognize the phone. By adding a second NFC antenna at the top—similar to how Apple designs its iPhones—Samsung intends to reduce these issues and provide a smoother tap-to-pay experience. This upgrade reportedly required Samsung to circumvent Apple’s patents on NFC sensor placement[1][4].
The dedicated NFC antenna will be placed on the top edge of the S26, while the NFC coil will remain on the rear. This design change is intended to make it easier to tap-and-pay at contactless payment checkouts, as users will no longer need to fumble with their phones to find the right spot for the payment[1][2][3][4][5].
The Galaxy S26 series is anticipated to launch early in 2026, and this NFC enhancement is part of a broader effort to improve Samsung Wallet and contactless payment performance[1][3][5]. With the potential inclusion of a dedicated NFC antenna, Samsung may be able to offer a point of difference between its phones and Apple's, potentially tempting more iPhone users to switch to Samsung.
Meanwhile, Apple is also gearing up for a new release, with the iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17 Air, expected to arrive in September[6]. The iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to compete directly with the Galaxy S25 Edge, further adding to the anticipation surrounding both devices.
References:
- Samsung Galaxy S26 to feature dedicated NFC antenna for improved contactless payments
- Samsung Galaxy S26 to feature dedicated NFC antenna for better tap-to-pay
- Samsung Galaxy S26: Here's what we know so far
- Samsung Galaxy S26 to get a dedicated NFC antenna for improved contactless payments
- Samsung Galaxy S26 to feature dedicated NFC antenna for improved contactless payments, report claims
- iPhone 17 series release date, price, news and rumors
The Samsung Galaxy S26, set to revolutionize contactless payments, will feature a dedicated NFC antenna for easier tap-and-pay experiences, a design choice intended to differentiate it from Apple's devices. Meanwhile, Apple prepares for the release of the iPhone 17 series, creating a competitive environment for both flagship smartphones.
